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Think great Viognier is exclusive to the Rhône Valley? Think again. The Pago Finca Élez El Secreto De Élez Viognier completely redefines what Spanish white wine can achieve. Debuting with the spectacular 2021 vintage, this exceptional, limited-edition Finca Elez Viognier is a masterclass in boutique winemaking — with only 2,566 bottles produced.
Crafted at a historic single estate in Castilla-La Mancha, this rare Spanish Viognier is barrel-fermented and meticulously aged on its lees, adding a luxurious texture and subtle complexity. Yet, it beautifully defies expectation by retaining a vibrant, beautifully fresh, and mineral-driven character. For those seeking an extraordinary, small-batch Finca Elez Viognier that pairs beautifully with food or shines brilliantly on its own, El Secreto De Élez is a secret too good to keep.
The 100% Viognier grapes come from the estate’s “La Casa” plot of vines, which are located at an altitude of around 1,000 meters above sea level. This high-altitude vineyard is situated on sandy clay loam soils on a solid limestone base. The unique terroir, combined with a blend of traditional, artisanal methods and advanced technology, results in a superb quality, singular, and highly exclusive Finca Elez Viognier.
The grapes are harvested in the early morning to retain freshness. They undergo a careful selection process and are processed immediately after their short journey from the vineyards to the winery. To add depth and complexity, the wines are aged in premium French oak barrels sourced from Allier, Nevers, and Tronçais.
Pago Finca Élez was founded by Spanish theatre producer and director Manuel Manzaneque in 1992. The estate is located in the municipality of El Bonillo, in the province of Albacete (Castile-La Mancha, Spain). It is situated at an altitude of approximately 1,080 metres above sea level, nestled in the heart of a protected, 1,000-year-old juniper forest.
Boasting an incredible viticultural pedigree, this estate made Spanish wine history in July 2002 when it became the first single estate (alongside Marqués de Griñón) to be awarded the prestigious Grandes Pagos de España designation under its very own DO, “Finca Élez.” Though the estate weathered a quiet, challenging period during the 2010s, its foundational terroir and historic significance in Castilla-La Mancha endure, allowing it to produce world-class white wines like the Finca Elez Viognier.
Most recently, the estate was acquired by the local Villoldo Ruiz family. The family has undertaken a major program of renovation and vineyard improvement, with the strict intention of continuing the estate’s proud legacy of producing organic, high-quality wines. The talented winemaking team steering this revival includes Javier García Alonso, Miguel Ángel Benito, and Carlos Sánchez.
The estate is planted with a curated mix of Spanish and international grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Tempranillo, Viognier, and Chardonnay. The vineyard area covers approximately 40 hectares, planted on poor, infertile, stony soils with clay deposits over limestone. The continental climate brings very hot summers balanced by large diurnal temperature variations and cold winters — the exact conditions needed to give the Finca Elez Viognier its signature freshness and balance.
Buy this limited edition Spanish Viognier online at Fareham Wine Cellar today.
Pairs wonderfully with seafood, white fish, creamy poultry dishes and soft cheeses.
2022 Vintage
94 Points – Sommelier’s Choice
93 Points – James Suckling
